Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty as leader of a rifle platoon of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Leading his platoon in point position during a patrol by his company through a
thickly wooded and snow-covered area in the vicinity of Hansan-ni, 1st Lt. Mitchell acted
immediately when the enemy suddenly opened fire at pointblank range, pinning down his
forward elements and inflicting numerous casualties in his ranks. Boldly dashing to the
front under blistering fire from automatic weapons and small arms, he seized an automatic
rifle from one of the wounded men and effectively trained it against the attackers and,
when his ammunition was expended, picked up and hurled grenades with deadly accuracy, at
the same time directing and encouraging his men in driving the outnumbering enemy from his
position. Maneuvering to set up a defense when the enemy furiously counterattacked to the
front and left flank, 1st Lt. Mitchell, despite wounds sustained early in the action,
reorganized his platoon under the devastating fire, and spearheaded a fierce hand-to-hand
struggle to repulse the onslaught. Asking for volunteers to assist in searching for and
evacuating the wounded, he personally led a party of litter bearers through the hostile
lines in growing darkness and, although suffering intense pain from multiple wounds,
stormed ahead and waged a single-handed battle against the enemy, successfully covering
the withdrawal of his men before he was fatally struck down by a burst of small-arms fire.
Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Mitchell, by his
fortitude, great personal valor and extraordinary heroism, saved the lives of several
marines and inflicted heavy casualties among the aggressors. His unyielding courage
throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.

Citation Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

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